Skagit County L.E.P.C. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CONTINGENCY PLAN First Draft dated May 2005 2005 DRAFT ONLY Page 1 of 77
TABLE OF CONTENTS PRECEDING DOCUMENTS Table of Contents... i Letter of Promulgation... ii Record of Amendments... iii Participating Agencies...iv List of Plan Recipients... v Outline of Purpose...vi SECTION A: Hazard Analysis Summary Fixed Assets... 1 Pipelines... 4 Transportation... 9 SECTION B: Assumptions and Limitations Multi-Jurisdictional Community Profile... 1 SECTION C: Funding Flood... 35 Land Movement... 46 SECTION D: OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS Incident Command System (ICS)... x Designated Incident Command... x Executive Authorities... x SECTION E: RESPONSE FOR LEVELS OF INCIDENT SEVERITY Response Level 1 Accident/Potential Emergency... 1 Response Level 2 - Emergency... 2 Response Level 3 Disaster... X DRAFT ONLY Page 2 of 77
SECTION F: RESPONSIBILITIES First Person On Scene... 1 First Responder... 2 Local Department of Emergency Management... x Fire Department... x Law Enforcement... x Public Works... x Skagit 911 Center... x Health Department... x Emergency Medical Services... x American Red Cross... x L.E.P.C... x Northwest Air Pollution Authority... x Skagit Area Transit (SKAT) / Skagit Council on Aging / School Districts... x Private Industry... x Reporting Requirements for SARA Title III... x Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD)... x State Patrol (WSP)... x Department of Ecology (DOE)... x Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)... x Department of Health (DOH)... x Department of Agriculture (DOA)... x Fire Marshal... x Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)... x Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC)... x Federal United States Coast Guard (USCG)... x Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)... x United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)... x National Weather Service... x Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)... x SECTION G: OPERATIONS Determination of Release/Population Affected... x Notification and Procedures... x SECTION H: EMERGENCY PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Warning Systems... x Personal Protection of Citizens/Shelter In Place vs. Evacuation... x DRAFT ONLY Page 3 of 77
SECTION I: SHELTER / EVACUATION INSTRUCTION Shelter in Place... x Evacuation... x Re-entry... x SECTION J: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Resource Management / Databases... x SECTION K: RESPONSE PERSONNEL SAFETY Personal Precautions... x Operations... x Limitations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)... x Decontamination Procedures... x SECTION L: WORK ZONES Hot Zone... x Warm Zone... x Cold Zone... x SECTION M: INITIAL SITE SURVEY AND RECONNAISSANCE Preliminary On-site Evaluation... x Other Considerations... x Atmospheric Hazard Action Guides... x SECTION N: COMMUNICATIONS Communications... x SECTION O: ON-SCENE MANAGEMENT SECTION P: CLEANUP OPERATIONS SECTION P: TRAINING DRAFT ONLY Page 4 of 77
SECTION R: EXERCISE OF PLAN SECTION S: LIST OF TABS Abbreviations... x Definitions... x Hazard Zone Maps... x SARA Title III Reporting Facilities List... x Authorities... x Order of Notification... x Media Contacts... x EAS Activation Standard Operating Guidelines... x Radio Frequencies... x Training Levels... x Good Samaritan Law Notification Form... x DRAFT ONLY Page 5 of 77
SKAGIT COUNTY, WASHINGTON L.E.P.C. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CONTINGENCY PLAN PROMULGATION In keeping with the comprehensive emergency management planning adopted by Skagit County and the Incorporated Cities and Towns, this Emergency Response Plan, entitled Skagit County L.E.P.C., was developed for the protection of the citizens and the emergency response personnel called to the scene of incidents that may threaten lives, property, and the environment. The Skagit County L.E.P.C. Hazardous Materials Plan was developed with the cooperation of Government, Fire Service, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical, Industry, and volunteer personnel, which formed the for Skagit County. The Plan meets the requirements of Section 303 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA, Title III). A hazard analysis has shown that transportation of hazardous materials, as well as the facilities that process, store or handle hazardous materials and chemicals, create a need for emergency response, planning, training and mitigation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed this day of,. Thomas J. Sheahan, Director Skagit County Department of Emergency Management DRAFT ONLY Page 6 of 77
RECORD OF AMENDMENTS Date Nature of Change Signature 9/19/02 Complete Review and Update 08/17/04 Complete Review and Update 05/23/05 Complete Review and Update DRAFT ONLY Page 7 of 77
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES PRIMARY AGENCY: Skagit County Department of Emergency Management SUPPORT LOCAL AGENCIES: City of Anacortes S.E.R.P. (Haz Mat Team) City of Burlington Fire Departments Town of Concrete Law Enforcement Town of Hamilton Skagit 911 Town of La Conner Health Departments Town of Lyman Emergency Medical Services City of Mount Vernon American Red Cross City of Sedro-Woolley LEPC Skagit County Skagit Council on Aging Northwest Air Pollution Authority Skagit Transit (SKAT) School Districts Private Industry SUPPORTING STATE AGENCIES: SUPPORTING FEDERAL AGENCIES: Washington State EMD (EMD) Washington State Dept. of Ecology (DOE) Washington State Patrol (WSP) Washington State Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Washington State Health (DOH) Washington State Agriculture Washington State Fire Marshal Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I) Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) United States Coast Guard (USCG) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Weather Service Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) DRAFT ONLY Page 8 of 77
OUTLINE OF PURPOSE A. To provide a means to plan for, train, respond to and mitigate effects of hazardous materials incidents in Skagit County. B. To identify local, state, and federal responsibilities for hazardous materials incident response and management, which includes preparation for and response to any incident involving hazardous substances or material which, when uncontrolled may be harmful to people, animals, property or the environment. C. To outline a county on-scene coordination and management system for hazardous materials incidents. D. To compile a county-wide risk analysis using SARA Title III information and reports. E. To identify resources available within and outside the community for hazardous materials incident planning, training, response, cleanup and mitigation. DRAFT ONLY Page 9 of 77
SECTION A HAZARD ANALYSIS SUMMARY FIXED FACILITIES Skagit County has a variety of fixed facilities, which store, produce, use and handle hazardous materials (see SARA Title III facilities/ Tab E). Skagit County has received reporting from nearly 100 fixed facilities under SARA Title III. It expected that several other facilities use, but do not report, hazard materials but some may have quantities below the reportable threshold. Tier 2 data entries reported by SARA Title III facilities are on file with DEM and Skagit 911. Hazard zones are primarily centered in the March's Point Industrial Area, Mount Vernon, Sedro Woolley, Burlington, LaConner and at the Port of Skagit County in Burlington. Four fixed facilities in Skagit County that hold large quantities of hazardous materials are located at the March's Point Industrial Area east of Anacortes: the Shell and Tesoro petroleum refineries, the General Chemical, Inc. sulfuric acid plant, and the Tecnal Corporation turpene refinery. The Lignotech, Inc. lignin spray drying facility, located at the intersection of Farm to Market Road and Highway 20, west of Burlington holds quantities of sulfuric acid. Each facility has varying levels of risk depending on the materials in use and the proximity of populated areas. The two refineries and the chemical plants are located in relatively low population areas bordered on three sides by water. Commercial Cold Storage, located in Mt. Vernon, and Americold, located in Burlington, use ammonia refrigerant and pose a public risk due to the proximity of population. Wolfkill, Inc. and Skagit Farmers Supply, located in Mt. Vernon, have been identified as a high-risk facility due to the proximity of the public. In addition, there are a variety of bulk fuel storage areas, gasoline, and propane stations located throughout Skagit County. PIPELINES Three pipelines [Terasen Pipeline (unrefined crude oil), Olympic (refined oil products) and Williams Gas Pipelines West (natural gas)] transport oil and natural gas through Skagit County. Each of the pipelines traverse environmentally sensitive areas. Trans Mountain and Olympic pipelines pose a pollution risk to the Samish River and Swinomish Channel. In addition, Olympic poses a pollution risk to the Skagit River. Olympic Pipeline has a major pump station, known as Allen Station, located west of Avon Allen Road, immediately north of State Route 20. Furthermore, Olympic Pipeline owns and operates a 20 million gallon storage facility adjacent to Ovenell Road. TRANSPORTATION The transportation network of major highways, rail corridors and marine shipping, perhaps pose the greatest hazardous materials risk in Skagit County. At the time of this update, the Swinomish Tribal Authority is conducting a hazard materials transportation study on hazardous materials that could impact the Swinomish Reservation. DRAFT ONLY Page 10 of 77
SECTION A HAZARD ANALYSIS SUMMARY (continued) Hazardous materials may be transported along any road in Skagit County, and this hazard analysis and the accompanying map tabs are not intended to represent a comprehensive listing of all possible hazardous materials transportation routes. Rather, the analysis and map tabs are intended to represent the most common transportation routes and their most likely vulnerability zones. The Interstate 5 corridor links the Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. areas, and runs through the most densely populated area of Skagit County. Highway 20 connects Interstate 5 with March's Point and is also a primary route of transportation for hazardous materials to Whidbey Island and the Olympic Peninsula. Other significant roads where hazardous materials are transported include Old Hwy 99, Memorial Highway, Farm to Market Road, East and West March's Point Road and North Texas Road. Rail corridors run from Burlington North through Sedro Woolley; from Sedro Woolley to the county line and then to Bellingham. From Burlington north along Chuckanut Bay, and north and south along the I-5 corridor and west to the March's Point vicinity. A significant amount of hazardous materials are also transported to and from Skagit County via marine shipping. Large vessels are primarily limited to Rosario Strait, Guemes Channel, Fidalgo Bay and to industrial docks serving the refineries at March's Point. Oil tankers lightered near Vendovi Island create a potential spill risk. DRAFT ONLY Page 11 of 77
SECTION B ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS Any incident involving hazardous materials has a potential to escalate from a minor incident into a full scale disaster. The hazardous properties of chemicals, petrochemical products, radioactive substances and other potentially dangerous materials range from explosive to dangerous. The uncontrolled release or spillage of hazardous materials may pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. The diverse nature of an incident involving hazardous materials is such that no single government agency or private industry is capable of handling all potential incidents alone. Skagit County does not have a Hazardous Material Response Team and response personnel are generally trained only to the Awareness Level of Hazardous Material and should only work within the scope of their training. In order to participate in operations, response personnel must be trained to the Operations Level under WAC 296-62-3112. The effects of hazardous materials incidents vary depending upon factors such as the materials involved, quantity released or spilled, and the location of the incident, including its proximity to surface water, populated areas, transportation, and routes of evacuation. Other factors include time of day and weather conditions. In the case of airborne hazardous material releases, wind speed and direction are very important, as well as the immediate response capability. The number and size of fixed facilities processing, storing, or handling hazardous materials in Skagit County; the amount of hazardous materials being transported in Skagit County; the proximity of local populations; and the existence of many environmentally sensitive areas combine to produce a high degree of risk and vulnerability to hazardous materials incidents. Although the larger fixed facilities have in-house hazardous materials response teams for their internal use, there currently is no locally based, organized response team available for offensive hazardous materials incident responses requiring OSHA Level A or Level B personal protective equipment and training. Outside resources would need to be employed in such incidents. In some hazardous materials incidents, it may be necessary for response forces to adopt a defensive posture for an indefinite time due to a lack of information, a lack of adequate resources, or danger to responders. Due to this possible limitation, protection of life, property and the environment inside the incident perimeter might be limited for an indefinite time. DRAFT ONLY Page 12 of 77
Section B ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS (continued) Additional response delays may result from locally experienced extreme weather conditions or public transportation networks which may have been damaged or rendered impassable by the effects of severe weather (i.e. wind fallen trees, flooding, etc.) or other concurrent disaster incidents such as earthquake or volcanic activity. Emergency communications, and public warning and alert systems may also be disrupted by similar circumstances. In case of a hazardous materials or petrochemical spill on inland waters, it may take several hours to move containment equipment from moorage or storage locations to the site of the incident. It may take hours or days to move cleanup equipment to the site. Because of these limitations, response and recovery actions may be delayed. In the case of a hazardous materials or petrochemical spill on local marine waters or at some places on inland waters, it may not be possible to contain the spill due to river flow, tides, currents, or weather conditions. Because of these conditions, response may have to be limited to cleanup of beaches, parks, protection of wildlife, and nesting areas, etc., after the material comes ashore. Particular attention should be paid to the Department of Ecology Geographical Sensitive areas that have been outlined. Alert and warning systems are limited. In addition, local broadcasters voluntarily cooperate with the local Emergency Alert System (EAS). NOAA Weather Radio may also provide warning information. Beyond those public warning and alert systems, door-to-door notification or mobile public address notification of a health threatening hazardous materials spill or release may be required. Such notification could take hours or could be impossible due to the possible threat to emergency responders. Reduction in force in state agencies may mean that Skagit County, by default, could be responsible for an increasing portion of the response. OUTLINE HOW THIS PLAN WORKS WITH OTHER PLANS WITHIN THE COUNTY. DRAFT ONLY Page 13 of 77
SECTION C FUNDING Local County and City government have assumed all costs associated with development of this Plan, with supplementary funding assistance from industries represented on the Local Emergency Planning Committee. With the exception of training assistance from certain agencies, no state or federal funding has been made available for plan development or compliance with SARA Title III requirements. DRAFT ONLY Page 14 of 77
Section D OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS Incident Command System (ICS) In order to ensure a comprehensive response to emergency needs involving hazardous materials (consistent with the response mechanisms already in existence), the Incident Command System (ICS) will be the basic format by which such events are managed at the local level. The designated Incident Commander shall utilize the positions of the Incident Command System as deemed necessary at the time of the incident. The Incident Commander will ensure that coordination exists between various responding agencies. The Incident Commander shall determine if the incident has exhausted the resources or capabilities of local agencies. The incident command agency will initiate a unified command system. Responding agencies (local, state, and federal) will operate within their own command organization to achieve the overall goals and objectives established by the agencies participating in the unified incident command structure. Designated Incident Command In accordance with RCW 70.136.030, the Washington State Patrol has been designated as the hazardous materials incident command agency for all hazardous incidents on state highways within Skagit County, unless by mutual agreement that role has been assumed by another designated incident command agency. Skagit County DEM has been designated Incident Command for the rest of the county in accordance with RCW 70.136.030. Executive Authorities The Emergency Management Council is responsible for emergency direction and control within the boundaries of their individual jurisdictions. The Emergency Management Council is comprised of the Mayors of the incorporated cities/towns and the Skagit County Board of Commissioners for the unincorporated areas. The Skagit County Board of Commissioners and individual City Councils are legislative bodies for their respective jurisdictions and are responsible for passing ordinances, resolutions and laws governing their jurisdictions. In the event that an incident exhausts the resources or capabilities of Skagit County, the Chairman of the Emergency Management Council may issue an emergency declaration and seek the Governor's assistance in securing resources from the State of Washington. The Director of Emergency Management is the chief advisor concerning matters of emergency management. DRAFT ONLY Page 15 of 77
SECTION E RESPONSE FOR LEVELS OF INCIDENT SEVERITY The Incident Commander will use the following response guidelines, unless responding to a Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) facility, as assistance in determining required resources to control a hazardous material incident: RESPONSE LEVEL I Accident/Potential Emergency Description: An incident or threat of a release, which may be controlled by the first response agencies (fire, law, medical) and may only require evacuation of the incident site. It does not pose an immediate threat to life or property. Possible Contacts: Skagit County DEM/Partial EOC staff Fire Department/District Local Law Enforcement Emergency Medical Services Skagit County Health Department State Emergency Management Division (EMD) Washington State Department of Ecology Northwest Air Pollution Authority Washington State Patrol Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources Federal Aviation Administration Cleanup Contractors CHEMTREC (transportation incident only) National Response Center (NRC) *See Tab G (Order of Notification) for additional possible contacts RESPONSE LEVEL II Emergency Description: An incident involving a greater hazard or larger area which poses a potential threat to life or property and which may require a limited evacuation of the area surrounding the incident. Possible Contacts: Agencies in Level I EOC staff Jurisdictional Chief Executive City or County Public Works Red Cross Public Utilities DRAFT ONLY Page 16 of 77
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) U.S. Coast Guard Section E Response for Levels of Incident Severity (continued) Response Level II (Continued): U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) U.S. Coast Guard National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Other local, state, and federal agencies such as Washington Washington State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Department of Transportation, Skagit County Health Department, Northwest Air Pollution Authority, Washington State Department of Health. *see Tab G (Order of Notification) for additional possible contacts RESPONSE LEVEL III Disaster Description: An incident, involving a severe hazard or a large area, which poses an extreme threat to life and property and will probably require a large scale evacuation; or an incident requiring expertise or resources of state, federal, or private agencies/organizations. Contact: Agencies in Levels I & II Mutual Aid Fire, Police, E-M-S Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Washington National Guard *see Tab G (Order of Notification) for additional possible contacts The Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) uses response levels 0-3. Some of the Washington State departments use levels 1-4. The Skagit County LEPC would like to standardize response levels in the future. DRAFT ONLY Page 17 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES I. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FIRST PERSON ON-SCENE For the purposes of this section, the first person on-scene is the initial person, who has Awareness Level Recognition and Identification training (see Tab K), to arrive at or discover the scene of a hazardous materials incident. The first person on-scene might be a representative of fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, public works, emergency management or private industry. Personal life safety shall be the first priority of the first person on-scene. This person should IMMEDIATELY RETREAT TO A SAFE LOCATION. A strictly DEFENSIVE posture will be assumed by the first person on-scene. When life safety issues permit, it shall be the responsibility of the first person on-scene to: 1. Notify 9-1-1 Dispatch immediately. 2. Make efforts to restrict or deny entry to the possibly contaminated area. 3. Identify and assess the hazard/incident and make determinations for an appropriate response and public warning, only if able to do so from a safe distance or location. a. By using placard numbers; container size, shape, color; names or other identifying markers; and/or available shipping papers or interviews with responsible individuals, determine possible types of hazardous materials and estimate quantities of materials spilled or released and communicate findings to responding agencies. b. Communicate observable weather in the vicinity of the incident, with particular attention to wind direction and estimated speed. c. Make assessments of hazard to life/safety, property, and environment by consulting the Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook. For further product information, contact Chemtrec at 1-800-424-9300. DRAFT ONLY Page 18 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) II. FIRST RESPONDER RESPONSIBILITIES For the purposes of this section, the first responder is that initial public official or responsible industry official, with minimum Operations Level training (see Tab K), to arrive at or discover the scene of a hazardous materials incident. Under the Incident Command System (ICS), the first on-scene responder shall assume the role of Incident Commander until that role has been affirmatively transferred to a ranking officer, or designated Hazardous Materials Incident Commander or until the incident is terminated. Personal life safety shall be the first priority of the first responder so they will IMMEDIATELY RETREAT TO A SAFE LOCATION. The first responder shall maintain a strictly DEFENSIVE posture until appropriate resources have arrived. When life safety issues permit, it shall be the responsibility of the first person on-scene to: 1. Identify and assess the hazard and make determinations for an appropriate response and public warning, only if able to do so from a safe distance or location. a. By using placard numbers; container size, shape, color; names or other identifying markers; and/or available shipping papers or interviews with responsible individuals, determine possible types of hazardous materials and estimate quantities of materials spilled or released and communicate findings to responding agencies. b. Assess weather conditions in the vicinity of the incident, with particular attention to wind direction and estimated speed. c. Make assessments of hazard to life/safety, property, and environment by consulting the Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook. d. Determine evacuation/isolation zone as necessary. 2. Notify 911 and relay pertinent information. 3. Manage the hazard scene by establishing perimeters and denying access. 4. Notify the required agencies and request assistance, if needed. DRAFT ONLY Page 19 of 77
5. If possible take appropriate defensive steps to minimize the effect of a hazardous condition on people, property and the environment. SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES continued III. LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES A. Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) DEM provides emergency management resource coordination to all of Skagit County, including incorporated cities and may assist in the following: 1. In conjunction with the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), prepare the basic hazardous materials response plan for Skagit County in cooperation and coordination with other hazardous materials response agencies. 2. Assist other agencies as appropriate in the preparation of agency Suggested Operating Guide (SOG s) for hazardous materials response. 3. Make recommendations of policy, procedures and regulations to agencies and elected officials. 4. Request and coordinate needed outside resources. 5. Implement the Skagit County Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), if needed. 6. Activate the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) when the Director or his delegate deems appropriate or at the request of the On-Scene Incident Commander or other authorized official. 7. Receive, collect and maintain hazardous materials risk and resource data in accordance with SARA Title III and to distribute that information to emergency response agencies and the public upon request. 8. Notify of state and federal authorities of hazardous material incidents as required, and requesting appropriate assistance for response and cleanup. 9. Provide warning and emergency public information to the public and governmental officials via Emergency Alert System (EAS), NOAA Weather Radio via the National Weather Service, Door-to-Door, or Mobile Siren. 10. Coordinate with the American Red Cross to provide for the emergency welfare and shelter needs of citizens affected by a hazardous materials event. 11. Encourage, facilitate and coordinate Mutual Aid Agreements among emergency response agencies on all levels of government. DRAFT ONLY Page 20 of 77
12. Coordinate training for local emergency responders, as requested, to ensure compliance with state and federal hazardous materials training requirements. SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) A. Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) - continued: 13. Coordinate and implementation for the SARA Title III (LEPC) Program. 14. Notify affected property owners, government agencies, and private companies/agencies. B. Fire Departments Skagit County Fire Departments may retain the Hazardous Materials Incident Command and will assume that role until they are formally relieved. In jurisdictions where the Washington State Patrol/Department of Emergency Management provides Incident Command, Fire Departments will respond to provide defensive services as requested by the Incident Commander. In situations where a hazardous materials incident is discovered by responding units, Fire Departments will fulfill the duties outlined under First Responder Responsibilities. In situations involving a known hazardous materials incident, Fire Departments will: 1. Assist Incident Commander in managing the hazard scene by establishing perimeters and denying access. 2. Render medical aid according to their level of training. 3. Take appropriate defensive steps to minimize the effect of a hazardous condition on people, property and the environment. 4. Provide necessary fire suppression skills without unduly exposing firefighters to harmful effects of the hazardous materials. 5. Assist Law Enforcement with evacuation/notification when necessary. 6. Confine the spread of contamination by providing for decontamination of personnel and equipment according to their level of training and the availability of proper personal protective equipment (PPE). DRAFT ONLY Page 21 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) C. Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Agencies have the responsibility for security of the incident/disaster area, crowd and traffic control, evacuation of affected area, providing warning to possible affected areas, and assist the Fire Department as needed. 1. Establish and maintain liaison with other emergency agencies and provide assistance as required. 2. Assist in warning the public (door-to-door or public address systems). 3. Provide for the orderly evacuation of citizens from the incident area, as requested by Incident Commander. 4. Secure and maintain the perimeter and maintain security. 5. Provide crowd and traffic control. 6. Participate in and coordinate with on-scene command post (incident command or unified command). 7. Designate an appropriate representative to advise the on-scene incident commander or unified command, if requested. Provide appropriate representative to act as an advisor in the EOC, if requested. D. Public Works Public Works Departments (local and county) will assist, as requested, in a hazardous materials incident by providing the following: 1. Mobilize and manage Public Works equipment and needed materials. 2. Take necessary action should hazardous materials enter the storm sewer system. 3. Designate an appropriate representative to advise on-scene incident commander or unified command, if requested. Provide appropriate representative to act as an advisor in the EOC, if requested. 4. Provide other responding agencies with technical information on the Public Works systems. 5. Will assist and provide emergency signing, barricades, and traffic control personnel for evacuation of hazardous area, as requested. DRAFT ONLY Page 22 of 77
6. Provide appropriate representative to act as advisor in the EOC, if requested. Section F Page 5 SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) E. Skagit County 9-1-1 Center Upon receipt of a report of a hazardous materials incident, Skagit County 911 Center will notify the fire department and law enforcement agency within whose jurisdiction the incident has occurred, the Skagit County Department of Emergency Management, and follow the protocol outlined in the Tab G (Order of Notification). 1. See Tab G (Order of Notification). 2. Coordinate communications with other responders; i.e. fire, law, medical. F. Health Department The Health Department is responsible for determining what actions are necessary to protect public health, food and water quality control, issue public health warnings if appropriate and coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies concerning ground water routes and public water supply line data. 1. Determine immediate actions necessary to protect the public health, water supplies, water aquifers, and response personnel. 2. Issue public health warnings or advice via EBS if appropriate. If needed the EBS system will be activated by the DEM. 3. Conduct or assist other agencies in sample collection, preservation and transport. Directing samples to appropriate laboratories. Make recommendation for blood or urine sampling on exposed personnel if not previously sent to a medical facility for acute care. 4. Assist food service operations for emergency response personnel or evacuees in meeting appropriate public health standards. 5. The County Health Officer will declare health emergencies as necessary. 6. Work with other responding agencies to share information concerning ground water routes and public water supply line data if hazardous materials have the potential to enter these mediums. 7. Designate an appropriate representative to advise the Incident Commander or Unified Command, if requested. Provide appropriate representative to act as an advisor in the EOC, if requested. DRAFT ONLY Page 23 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) G. Emergency Medical Services Encompasses the entire medical community - hospitals, fire service, physicians, and medical support personnel in private practice, ambulance and emergency aid transportation and organization. Responsible for coordination and organization of medical and health personnel during an incident/disaster and provide continuous care to the sick and injured victims. 1. Provide medical aid and patient transportation. 2. Provide triage, if required. 3. Designate an appropriate representative to advise the Incident Commander or Unified Command, if requested. Provide appropriate representative to act as an advisor in the EOC, if requested. 4. Implement mass casualty protocol per Incident Command System, if needed. H. American Red Cross The American Red Cross will provide temporary housing, mass care shelter and feeding facilities, emergency first aid and medical services, welfare inquiries, information services and financial assistance for essentials based on the immediate need at the time of the emergency. I. Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) 1. Fulfill SARA Title III requirements for record keeping, compliance, hazard analysis, training, public education, and planning. 2. Fulfill state and federal Community Right to Know provisions. 3. Perform an annual review of the Skagit County Hazardous Materials Plan. 4. Act as a liaison between local industry, the public and the Department of Emergency Management. J. Northwest Air Pollution Authority (NWAPA) 1. Continuous monitoring of air for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. 2. Surveillance and inspection of air emission sources. 3. Responsible for the issuance of permits for air emission sources in their jurisdiction. DRAFT ONLY Page 24 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) J. Northwest Air Pollution Authority (NWAPA) - continued 4. Investigation of reported releases to the air. 5. In conjunction with Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) and/or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), investigate incidents for determination of cause and any actions that may be necessary. 6. Fulfill required regulatory role to ensure any required corrective actions are taken. 7. Designate an appropriate advisory representative to the Incident Commander or Unified Command, if requested. Provide appropriate representative to act as an advisor in the EOC, if requested. K. Skagit Area Transit/Skagit Council on Aging/School Districts Provide transportation for evacuation as requested by the incident commander or unified command. 1. Limited and controlled evacuation. a. Operations may place resources at the disposal of the Incident Commander or Unified Command. 2. Guidelines to be followed: a. Office will provide coach and driver availability status. b. Office will radio instructions to fleet. c. If necessary, reserve buses will be readied. d. Office will maintain its function as a dispatch relay station until relieved by the Incident Commander. L. Private Industry Each facility subject to the requirements of SARA Title III shall be responsible for: a. Notifying the LEPC of the facility representative who will participate in the emergency planning process as a Facility Emergency Coordinator. b. The facility owner/operator will promptly inform the LEPC of any relevant changes occurring at the facility. DRAFT ONLY Page 25 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) L. Private Industry-continued c. Upon request of the LEPC, the facility owner/operator shall provide information that is necessary for development and implementation of the emergency plan. d. Determination of the occurrence of a release of SARA Title III classified substances is the statutory responsibility of the facilities owners and/or operators. It shall be incumbent upon the Emergency Coordinator(s) of such facilities to establish appropriate internal procedures for detecting a release and for making timely notification pursuant to this plan. e. The owner/operators of all SARA Title III facilities shall offer complete cooperation to the Incident Commander whenever any spill or release threatens populations, property or the environment. Their representatives shall be pre-designated or assigned at the time of an incident. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF SARA TITLE III SARA Title III requires owners and/or operators of certain facilities to submit a list of hazardous chemicals present at their facilities. The Local Emergency Planning Committee requires this list be submitted annually on a Tier II form. Reports must be filed with the State Emergency Response Commission, Skagit County LEPC and the fire service agency in which the reporting facility is located by March 1st of each year. Compliance with these requirements is the responsibility of the individual facilities. A. CHEMICALS INCLUDED IN THE REPORTING REQUIREMENT Facilities are required to report the following chemicals to the DEM/LEPC if they fall within the threshold planning quantities: 1. Chemicals listed as "Extremely Hazardous Substances"(EHS) under SARA Title III, Section 302. 2. Any chemical stored in a quantity of 10,000 pounds or more for which a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. DRAFT ONLY Page 26 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) IV. STATE AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES A. Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) The State EMD shall provide a single point of notification and coordination for state level hazardous materials response through the Division's 24-hour duty officer capability (1-800-562-6108 during office hours or 1-800-258-5990 after hours). The Skagit County DEM will also directly notify the Department of Ecology (DOE) and other state and federal agencies as necessary. 1. Contact in accordance with Response Level II. 2. Develop and maintain Hazardous Materials Appendix to Annex O of the State Comprehensive Emergency Management plan. 3. Maintains 24-hour duty officer system to receive notification of incidents and requests for assistance and initial notification to local, state, and federal response agencies. 4. Coordinates the procurement of state resources for use by the Incident Commander or as requested by Skagit County DEM or various state response agencies. 5. Activates and manages the state EOC to provide communications and support to assist in hazardous materials incidents when necessary. 6. Shall designate a representative to the Incident Command upon a request by local government. B. Washington State Patrol (WSP) 1. Designated Incident Command for all state and interstate highways within Skagit County unless, by mutual agreement, that role has been assumed by another designated incident command agency (i.e. Department of Emergency Management or Fire District/Department). 2. Assists local incident command agencies with communications, law enforcement, and technical resource information. 3. Coordinates activation of DOT personnel and equipment needed to establish traffic control and cleanup activities on state roads and interstate highways. DRAFT ONLY Page 27 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) C. State Department of Transportation (DOT) 1. Will respond as requested and coordinate with Incident Commander or Unified Command and provide available resources and personnel. 2. Upon the discovery of a hazardous materials incident on state roads and interstate highways, appropriately trained DOT personnel will initially establish traffic control and notify the WSP. (Note: DOT personnel do not cleanup hazardous materials from the roadway or right-of-way. Hazardous materials cleanup is accomplished through the Washington State Department of Ecology through the use of private contractors.) D. State Department of Ecology (DOE) 1. Shall be notified whenever an incident has possible environmental consequences. 2. Ensure that the requirements of the Geographical Response Plans are carried out. 3. Act as the lead agency for environmental cleanup. Provides on-scene coordination, technical information on containment, cleanup, disposal and recovery; environmental damage assessment; laboratory analysis and evidence collection for enforcement actions. 4. Maintains a current resource list of cleanup contractors, equipment and technical/scientific personnel for hazardous material incidents. 5. Serves as the state on-scene coordinator under the Federal National Contingency Plan. 6. Works with responsible party for cleanup of environmentally threatening hazardous materials incidents. 7. Coordinates litigation for the recovery of costs incurred during response and cleanup. 8. Coordinates damage assessments of moderate and major spills by implementing the Marine Resource Damage Assessment Program involving local, state, federal and private agencies. DRAFT ONLY Page 28 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) E. State Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) 1. Shall be notified via WSP when fresh water or marine habitats are potentially involved or has the potential of affecting wildlife habitat. 2. Assists DOE, upon request, in determining and assessing fisheries habitat recovery cost and compensation and provides coordination and resource information on potential or actual wildlife or wildlife habitat damage and cleanup. 3. Participates in Marine Resource Damage Assessment Program when requested. F. State Department of Health (DOH) 1. Coordinates and assists with local Health Department for needed resources and information. 2. Acts as the lead agency for incidents involving radioactive materials. 3. State Department of Health would have a lead role if shellfish were potentially impacted. G. State Department of Agriculture (DOA) 1. Shall be notified of incidents that may impact farmlands. 2. Provides technical assistance, laboratory testing and sampling, and estimates on recovery costs for incidents involving pesticides/herbicides. H. State Fire Marshal 1. Provides assistance, when requested, by the authority having jurisdiction for fire investigations. I. State Department of Labor and Industries (L & I) 1. Mandates training requirements for hazardous materials emergency response and cleanup. (WAC 296-62-3112) Note: If on navigable waters in the State of Washington, OSHA requirements will need to be met. 2. Enforces safety and health standards whenever employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals. 3. Provides technical assistance and information concerning worker exposure to hazardous chemicals, including information on procedures, protective equipment and specific chemical properties and hazards of substances. DRAFT ONLY Page 29 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) J. State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) 1. Investigates rail accidents in conjunction with the Federal Railroad Administration. 2. Assists first responders by providing supportive data on registered shippers and haulers of hazardous materials statewide. V. FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES A. United States Coast Guard (USCG) 1. Shall be notified whenever spill or release has potential to affect navigable waters. 2. Designated Incident Command Agency for all spills to marine waters. 3. Operates National Response Center (NRC) which receives reports of incident and serves as a focal point for notification of federal authorities when a pollution incident occurs. Provides advice and assistance to users of the system by accessing computer data files, which list hazardous substance characteristics. B. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 1. Shall be notified if aircraft involved or incident may affect the airway and request Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) to provide a safe air traffic environment in the event of fire and rescue. C. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1. Shall be contacted in accordance with Response Level III. 2. Responds with advice and technical resources to protect the environment from all types of hazardous substances. 3. In conjunction with state DOE, will coordinate cleanup of major incidents. 4. Acts as the federal on-scene coordinator for incidents involving inland waters. 5. Contracts for emergency response services of the Region X Strike Team. The Region X Strike Team provides on-site survey of actions, documentation of cleanup contractor, and reports findings to the Incident Command (U.S.C.G.). DRAFT ONLY Page 30 of 77
SECTION F RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) D. National Weather Service (NWS) 1. Provides responding agencies with current weather and forecast information, as needed. E. NOAA Weather Radio 1. Is a service of NOAA and U.S. Dept. of Commerce and can preempt the routine weather broadcasts and substitute special warning messages and can also activate specially designed warning receivers. The frequency that serves Skagit County is 162.425 MHZ. F. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1. Mandates training requirements for hazardous materials emergency response and cleanup. 2. Enforces safety and health standards whenever employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals. 3. Provides technical assistance and information concerning worker exposure to hazardous chemicals, including information on procedures, protective equipment and specific chemical properties and hazards of substances. DRAFT ONLY Page 31 of 77
SECTION G OPERATIONS A. DETERMINATION OF RELEASE/POPULATION AFFECTED Determination of the occurrence of a release of SARA Title III classified substances is the statutory responsibility of the facilities owners and/or operators. It shall be incumbent upon the Emergency Coordinator(s) of such facilities to establish appropriate internal procedures for detecting a release, and for making timely notification pursuant to this plan. In transportation related incidents, guidelines in sections titled Responsibilities of First Person On-Scene and First-Responder Responsibilities will be followed to determine size, type, location and risk of hazard. Upon the occurrence of a significant release or spill, it will be the responsibility of the Incident Commander, in concert with the local emergency responders and the Community Emergency Coordinator, to determine the projected impact area based on the circumstances of the release or spill. B. NOTIFICATION AND PROCEDURES The Skagit County 911 Center is the designated agency to receive initial notification of a potential hazardous materials incident. The Skagit County 911 Center will be responsible for notification of appropriate emergency response agencies as outlined by the Hazardous Materials Incidents Tab G (Order of Notification). DRAFT ONLY Page 32 of 77
A. WARNING SYSTEMS Section H EMERGENCY PUBLIC NOTIFICATION 1. Public Warning Procedures a. EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS) The EAS is a voluntary, organized means of disseminating emergency news and information to the public through local radio, television and cable broadcasters. The system is activated by authorized local officials, and is independently tested on a regular basis. b. NOAA WEATHER RADIO NOAA Weather Radio may broadcast special warning messages. The frequency that serves Skagit County is 162.425 MHZ. c. DOOR-TO-DOOR If needed, specific neighborhoods or communities may receive warning and notification by means of individual door to door contact by law enforcement or fire services personnel. This method may be supplemented by announcements through the use of public address systems on radio-equipped vehicles. d. MOBILE SIRENS 2. Public Information Officer A designated Public Information Officer (PIO) shall act as liaison between the Incident Commander/EOC, the media and the public in a chemical emergency. The PIO will provide media representatives with news releases and/or regular briefings in order to provide incident information and warning of danger to the community. This information will include any emergency public protection measures including instructions for shelter-in-place or evacuation that may be needed. The PIO will also provide public information about the nature of the incident, the area affected, the official response activities, and reentry and recovery issues. Information to be released shall be approved by the Incident Command/Unified Command. (See Tab H Media) DRAFT ONLY Page 33 of 77
Section H EMERGENCY PUBLIC NOTIFICATION - continued B. PERSONAL PROTECTION STRATEGIES FOR CITIZENS During any hazardous material emergency it is essential that, to the greatest degree possible, citizens of the community be protected from the adverse effects of exposure to hazardous materials involved in an incident. The protection of the public during a chemical emergency is a complex task. The subject is undergoing extensive research and new and innovative finding are being constantly released. Evacuation has long been the recognized standard for population protection, however, recent research indicates that the shelter-in-place, or in-place protection, method should be considered as the best alternative for many hazardous materials incidents. Each protective strategy has its own inherent advantages and disadvantages: The advantage of an evacuation is that it removes the population from both present and future risks. The concept of removing the population from the risk is also an acceptable strategy to many members of the public. Evacuations, however, are highly disruptive events, which pose many problems such as congregate care operations and traffic concerns. An effective evacuation may take several hours to complete, during which time evacuees may be exposed to concentrations of the toxic substance from which they are trying to avoid. Shelter-in-place protection can be instituted on a relatively quick basis. The population does not have long distances to travel for protection and they are generally familiar with their surroundings. The speed of an in-place effort may make it the only reasonable short-term protective method for hospitals, nursing homes and jails. The in-place concept, however, is foreign to many citizens and primarily should be considered only for incidents expected to last for a short duration. No single protective strategy is applicable in all situations. There are many variables that enter into the decision making process. Six factors have been identified which should be considered in selecting a protective response: 1. Threat (Material) 2. Population at Risk 3. Time Factors Involved 4. Weather Conditions 5. Communications 6. Response Capabilities Section H DRAFT ONLY Page 34 of 77